All About BSL Laboratories: Ensuring Safety in Infectious Disease Research
What are BSL Laboratories?
A biosafety lab, also known as a biosafety level (BSL) laboratory, is a controlled environment designed to handle infectious agents safely. They make the study of infectious agents and toxins that pose varying risks to human health and the environment safer. Apart from BSL, they are also known as PCLs (Physical Containment Laboratories).
Besides, these labs are classified into four levels based on the required containment protocols and safety measures.
— Classification of BSL Laboratories
As we know by now, BSL labs are classified into four levels based on the containment measures and safety protocols. So, now let's discuss these levels in detail:
BSL-1
This is the initial design of the laboratory to work with infectious agents that cause minimal risk to humans and the environment. Additionally, the standard microbiological practices are sufficient and no special containment equipment is required for BSL-1. Examples of BSL-1 are Escherichia coli (E. coli) K-12, Bacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, etc.
BSL-3
Level -3 laboratories are to fulfill the need of infectious diseases researchers. the various infectious microorganisms & virus including, tuberculosis, (tb bacillus), pestis (plaque bacillus) HIV-tb, HIV, high-titer culture, Hantavirus, JE, Rabies, Ebola virus (for certain lab processes) CCHF, Nipah, zika virus, & corona viruses etc. which may cause serious illness/ fatal diseases via aerosol transmission or inhalation of particles/droplets etc.
BSL-2
Level 2 is appropriate to work with agents that pose moderate hazards. Further, these labs require slightly limited access along with specialized training and safety equipment like biosafety cabinets to prevent exposure to any infectious aerosols and splashes. The examples of BSL-2 are Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella species, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), etc.
BSL-4
This is the highest level that is designed to work with high-risk agents/infectious agents that can be life-threatening to mankind and the environment. The BSL-4 consists of a study on diseases for which no vaccine or treatment has been discovered yet. These labs have back-to-back most stringent containment measures that include, full-body, air-supplied suits, multiple containment barriers, and isolated, airtight facilities along with advanced air filtration and waste decontamination systems. The biosafety level 4 examples are Ebola Virus, Nipah Virus, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, etc.
Each level ensures an apt amount of safety to keep the people and the environment safe from these deadly infectious agents. bsl-4 facility must be stand along in isolated zone. complete risk assessment is prerequisite.
BSL Laboratories Specification
All four levels specify the need for more safety equipment as the containment increases at every level. Further, each level specifies the necessary identifying factors that depend upon the use of safety equipment, facility design, operational protocols, etc. All this is solely done to protect the personnel, environment and public health from these hazardous pathogens. Nowadays, there are Mobile BSL laboratories, that can be transported from one place to another. Mobile biosafety labs have made it easy to carry infectious pathogens on-site.
There are several BSL laboratory manufacturers that have dedicated their lives to researching a safer BSL laboratory. However, it is very vital to find BSL laboratory manufacturers that are credible as well as economical so that it is easy for the researchers to contribute to society.
— 6 Reasons To Choose
01
Podtech Analysis
The process of designing a BSL Laboratory involves an initial analysis of risk assessment fail
safe& reliability aspects. We provide a preliminary analysis of the area to get a better idea of the risk factors involved. At Podtech, we pay close attention to understanding the client's requirements& futuristic criteria we assess the site meticulously & carefully which involves identifying the type of microorganism, and deep inspection of the area where BSL Lab has to be installed as well as local codal practices & statutory compliances in totality.
02
Design
Designing a BSL Laboratory involves precision along with meticulously planning, proven expertise & experience including CFD analysis.
Here, at Podtech, we understand that the external environment is on stake thus, all our well trained & certified technicians with proven expertise in their respective fields. The material used for construction, the skeleton and area in which the biosafety lab would be installed are analyzed critically.
All of our projects are studied carefully with respect to understanding the containment level. For more information and a quote, feel free to contact us.
03
Manufacturing
we manufacture all the major devices and equipment’s that give us significant leverages in engineering the BSL laboratories.
further, we focus on each & every microscopic detail, and feature and guarantee our customers with high-quality, durable reliable & with equate redundancies final systems.
Our specialists go through the designs and other components more than once to ensure safety and comply with statutory & codal requirements.
04
Installation
After manufacturing all the parts, and thorough analysis. Installation at the destination takes place. Each part of the BSL Labs is designed and brought together by our specialists. While installation, we follow strict protocols standard engineering practices and detailed cleaning afterward.
This ensures that the lab is dust free and ready to use.
05
Validation
After installation, validation takes place, which is a careful evaluation of the operating state of the BSL Laboratory. To validate the conditions via carrying out various tests that take temperature, humidity, pressure, and level of cleanliness as mandatory parameters into consideration. After all the boxes are checked, the report is issued which confirms that the BSL Laboratory is compliant to use.
06
Maintenance
Maintenance is undoubtedly the most vital step. With maintenance, the BSL Laboratory functions properly and is safe.
Our technicians carry out necessary checks and take action if needed. Scheduling maintenance is very easy and helps the work to be carried out without any hassle. With Podtech, you never have to worry about anything when it comes to BSL Labs.
podtech innovative engineering ensures the least mean time between failures.